Feng shui (pronounced phung-schway) is an ancient Chinese philosophy that has been around for centuries. Often called “the art of placement”, Feng Shui can be used to bring more Chi (or positive energy) into your garden in order to encourage health, beauty and abundance.
Curves and proportions are an integral aspect of your Feng Shui garden. The Chinese talk about the Yin and the Yang. Your house would be the Yin while your garden would provide the Yang. The Yang needs plenty of space and light to thrive. It also requires the five elements of the practice. Include in your garden a pond, water fountain or pool of water of some sort; a bronze statue or sun dial for the metal element; lots of earth; trees and/or shrubs for the wood element; vibrant orange and red colors for the fire element.
The best shape for your Feng Shui garden is circular or octagonal. Red is a particularly good color choice as it stimulates the flow of the life force (or positive energy, also known as Chi).
Choose plants for your garden that are also lucky. Some examples of these include bamboo, orchid, magnolia, jade, peony, pine, gardenia and hibiscus. Avoid weeping plants, thorny plants and plants that are stunted. Cactus or spiked plants lend themselves to tension and aggression, which is not good. The same goes for any trees or plants that are overbearing. Aim for lots of vibrancy and color!
Whatever you choose to put into your garden for the water element should be integrated in the best way possible with the rest of the garden, and it should be maintained on a consistent basis. Never neglect any aspect of your garden!
Ponds and water features need to be kept clean and need to show movement as opposed to stagnation. Water fountains are an excellent choice, as are round fish ponds that contain goldfish. Green plants around the water element make for plenty of positive Chi.
Planting herbs in your garden is beneficial to attract good health, prosperity and to encourage longevity. Herbs add color and life to a garden and contain their fair share of medicinal properties to benefit your whole family. Some herbs to plant include basil, jasmine, lavender and rosemary.
The lighting in your garden should be soft. Pathways and stepping stones are a good idea but refrain from placing them in a straight line.
